The heat of the summer can boost your HVAC usage and increase your energy bills considerably. To help you control your costs this season, you’ll need a few valuable air conditioner maintenance tips and other suggestions. The information below should help lower your electric bills, reduce energy usage, and save you money.

How to Lower Your Cooling Costs This Season

1. Install a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat lets you control the temperature of your house, even at night or while you are away from home. To save money, program the device to let the temperature rise 10 or 12 degrees while you're at work or asleep. Then have it drop again to your preferred comfort level once you return home. This saves the energy you'd otherwise use with an analog thermostat set at a constant temperature.

2. Clean Vents & Condenser Coils

To operate efficiently, your HVAC system needs proper airflow. If the air of the proper temperature cannot reach the thermostat, the system will continue running unnecessarily. Thus, it's important you clean the duct vents and replace the filter regularly to allow air to flow freely through the house. Also, the condenser or outdoor unit must be able to dissipate the heat it removes from indoors. Dust acts as an insulator, so you should clean the condenser coils each month and remove any boxes, lawn furniture, or other items that could block hot air from venting.

3. Schedule Air Conditioner Maintenance

Have an HVAC professional perform an inspection and complete any needed repairs and air conditioner maintenance. By replacing frayed belts or broken hoses, lubricating the motor, and repairing any other incipient problems, a technician ensures the system runs more efficiently, uses less energy, and extends the equipment's life span.

The tips above should help save you money this summer by reducing your utility bills. For an equipment tuneup, contact A & B Heating & Air Conditioning, the premier air conditioner maintenance and repair service in the Greater Cincinnati, OH, area. They've been serving the Tri-State area for more than 50 years and offer 24/7 service, 365 days a year. Visit their website to connect with them online, or call (859) 525-0100 to schedule service.